The eBay listing for the Miele Little Giant 400 volt

[tomturbomatic]

There are several of these machines in Ft. Lauderdale that are rated at 400 volts 50 cycles. Do you suppose these are from a ship chandler? I don't know about the electrical service on yachts.

 

They stupidly say it has scratches when this machine has serious porcelain damage.

 

[iej]

They could be from a European spec ship is some sort.

European power is : 230V 50Hz (Single phase) or 400V 50Hz (3 phase)

On some older appliances you may see 220-240V or 380-415V 50Hz

Originally, Britain used 240V while everyone else used 220V and they were able to transition everyone to 230V by slightly tweaking the tolerances of appliances and nominally calling it 230V. Modern supplies actually are moving to 230V but 220 and 240V system are still acceptable.

 

[launderess]

Those machines have been on Fleapay forever

Joining others that largely sit sitting without takers. In fact you can find these "Little Giants" on CL and elsewhere on internet again largely without takers.

Regarding the Fort Lauderdale listing, yes, am more than unusually certain these came from Miele's "Marine Division" which deals in appliances for yachts/ships.

http://www.mielemarineusa.com/us/campaign/marine/home.html

Seller could be a dealer, or purchased from someone else and hopes to resell. If you examine seller's other offerings they are all marine related.

There is a *HUGE* market in South Florida for marine/yacht/boating equipment, suppliers and so forth. This is natural when you consider who is down there and the fact plenty of big money from all over the world tie up in Florida. Some have homes down there, others just visit, and or have their boats fitted, refitted, repaired or some such.

Am no expert, but from what have seen much of the appliances on yachts seems to be of the 208v-240v or higher at 50hz. Say this because have seen over the years no small amount of European appliances being offered on CL, fleaPay and other sites that all used power requirements common to EU. My recently purchased smaller Pfaff ironer came from Florida and most likely was used (and somewhat abused) on a yacht. Say this because of certain issues that likely are result of moistness and salty air.

A year or so ago someone from Florida was selling an Eudora washer similar to this one on fleaPay.



It was going for *very* little money and while one watched the auction for ages, didn't bother. Could sit down and weep now as the thing never sold and who knows what happened. Did write to seller for information regarding providence and was told the washer came out of a yacht.

At the time was worried about shipping in general and especially without proper drum locking bolts. As had just recently had the Pfaff shipped up from Florida was in no mood to go another set of rounds about "bringing more things into this house". *LOL*

 

[launderess]

Remember seeing one of these units going very cheaply

which may have been in Florida. Contacted Miele tech support and after some explaining was switched to another department where a crisp but nice German fellow explained things.

Long story short power requirements for these washers are what they are; and though there are various changes that can be made via menu for "country" settings, it isn't much of a change. This is the reason why so many of these washers and dryers sit on CL, eBay and elsewhere untouched.

If American consumers had issues with rewiring their homes for the 208v-240v power that Miele washers of old required, 400v is just out of the question.

Did see one barely used set going on CL a year or so ago from a domestic setting. Going by the listing it was a home that either was custom built and or owners put up the money to have proper wiring installed. Forge the reason but after barely a few years of use the Little Giant pair were being offered for sale. *Think* the family might have been preparing to move house.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Thank you, James, for the explanation of European power and, Launderess, for the nautical Miele picture.

 

[askolover]

looking at the wiring schematic in this thread

Miele PW6065 wiring diagram or schematic?

Greetings from a new member. I generally hang out in vintage stove and sewing machine forums, but have a new project and you appear to be the best-informed folks around on all things washing machine. I've acquired a windfall (almost free) Miele PW6065 OS LP washing machine that's got an oddball...

www.automaticwasher.org

I wonder if it's changeable.....disconnect a heater and a relay maybe?

 

[foraloysius]

Those Eumenia's don't need shipping bolts because they don't have a suspension system.

 

[circuspeanut]

rewiring these 400V Mieles

askolover --

I've been writing back and forth with Miele tech service on precisely this issue, and apparently the voltage is not the problem - these 400V machines can be rewired to accommodate American residential 240V if one has such an outlet already (they are often put in for electric dryers) or is willing to pay to have one put in. It's a matter of rejiggering the heater element wiring.

The bigger issue according to Miele is the Hz frequency. Although some users around the internet claim they've been using 50Hz on our 60Hz system, I'm reluctant to just plug it in and hope for the best. Some machines apparently have a frequency converter (FU in German) that will take 50/60Hz but until I open mine up I do not know if it is one of them. (Attaching someone else's photo of said FU unit.)

Anyone have tips on how to most carefully take my PW6065 front cover off without damaging it? I know I'm not supposed to tip the machine onto its side.

 

[askolover]

I don't know if the Little Giant is set up the same way as my w1986.  I have 3 screws behind the detergent door and then 3 bolts around the boot and the front will just open.  But like I said, I have never looked at a little giant in person.

 

[launderess]

Eumenia's don't need shipping bolts because they don

Now he tells me!

*LOL*

 

[launderess]

Who loves ya baby?

Electrical Connection:

^ These machines will not run on single phase power. (Exception: PW6065)

^ Washers and Dryers: Electrically heated machines require 3 phase (208/230V)*. They come

factory set at 230V*. A conversion to 208V can be performed on location by a qualified

technician.

* Exception: W 6071, T 6185, T 6551, T 6751 & PT 7136 are only available in 3 phase, 208V;

PW 6065 is only available in singlephase, 208V.

^ Power cords are not supplied with the machines. They must be hard wired by a licensed

electrician. Exception: A power cord is supplied with the PW 6065 and PT 7136. This power

cord will need a suitable plug end installed, and cannot be hard wired.

^ Proper connection is 3 live and 1 ground, (no neutral). Exception: PW 6065 singlephase

All connections are made at the terminal block at the rear of the machine

Note: The PW 6065 may be supplied with a 4 wire cord. The white wire marked L2 does

not get connected.

http://us.mieleusa.com/MieleMedia/docs/operatinginstructions/Old-Archive/Professional/Operating_Manuals/Prof_Washer/Laundry_Care_System_us.pdf

 

[launderess]

Now if this is a w5740 (Miele Marine version)

Or an European version of the "Little Giant" washers, then there *might* be a problem using 60hz instead of the rated/required 50hz.

If not have done so already perhaps your best bet is to speak with someone either at Miele Marine division and or attempt to find someone who is thoroughly knowledgeable about this machine.

Miele has been on a hiring binge the past several years with lots of new tech/customer support persons. Sadly not all seem to be totally on the ball as have personally been given incorrect and or conflicting information on a few occasions.

Also if have not done so already, including the serial number for washer may help in obtaining accurate information.

IIRC all "Little Giants" the 4000w draw for heaters is what it is; that cannot be changed apparently.

 

[launderess]

This set has been on fleaPay for months

With no takers: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Miele-PW-61...354758?hash=item2cc7113546:g:AbwAAOSwXeJYChe0

 

[aamassther]

I’m not sure it’s helpful, as I haven’t actually taken the front panel off our year old PW6065. But here are a few snaps of the places that have screws on the front panel. There’s one screw behind the drawer, one under the porthole and several sets under the front panel.
I’ve also included one of the ratings plate, though not listed- 5 K heater.

 

[foraloysius]

Now he tells me!

If you posted a thread about that Eumenia, I must have missed it. But as a matter of fact I would have expected that someone as knowledgeable as you would have known that. That's why they have that awkward spin system with a pendulum.

 

[launderess]

No, didn't start a thread

Quite honestly was only half hearted into the thing. Having just spent dear money for the Pfaff ironer and it being shipped from Florida, wasn't in the mood wholly.